title: Gynecomastia in a mortician. A case report.
abstract: The fine needle aspiration (FNA) observations in a case of gynecomastia occurring in a mortician are described. The FNA smear showed cytomorphologic features typical of a gynecomastia. Morticians use an embalming cream that contains estrogens or estrogenlike compounds; these substances may be absorbed percutaneously and cause the development of gynecomastia. The mortician should be made aware of the potential risk of such an occupational exposure and development of the "embalmer's curse. "Recognition by the clinicians and cytopathologists of such an occurrence and its implications can help with the proper management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Rosato
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009027:Mortuary Practice; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens